Commentary by Bill King, Artistic Director

It’s year twenty-two for us and we “feel good”, to paraphrase the late James Brown.  It’s that boogie-woogie feeling of anticipation, discovery and hope for good weather.  Yes, it’s a challenge sorting through the numerous applications that pour in and choosing bands that can entertain us on the street or on our outdoor stages.  It’s a different environment playing outdoors.  It takes a special band to cut the distance between stage and audience, overcome distractions and harness energy from the crowds.  But we think we’ve put together a great mix of bands for this season.  It’s still mainly about our local community and the musicians who contribute to its incredible artistic mosaic, however, just like locally based musicians exporting their talent around the globe, we too, are bringing outside talent in.

Here’s a sample of who we have: We caught this brilliant young guitarist / songwriter from out West who just ripped up the stage at the Women’s Blues Review playing slide guitar like the late great Duane Allman of the Allman Brothers.  Rachelle van Zanten is her name and she has a style and effortless delivery that will catch you off guard.  There’s long time Beach resident and world celebrated songwriter/singer Dan Hill making his debut with pianist Joe Sealy’s ensemble.  The Blackburn Brothers are perhaps the finest soul unit in the country.  How about the compelling music of The Griffith Hiltz Trio?  There’s Jane Bunnett, teaming up with our own Bill King, along with New Orleans’ Johnny Sansone, Madagasscar Slim and the Rockit 88 Band for a set of Afro/Cuban Blues.  Washed away by rain last year, the inimitable Deanna Bogart is back to rock Kew Stage.

KEW Gardens is stepping it up with another New Orleans treat in big demand - Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue.  We also caught saxophonist Warren Hill at the Barbados Jazz Festival where it became apparent Toronto born Hill - who played here a couple times a decade back, was up for a return visit.  Woodbine Park has really happening partnerships on for this year between Toronto’s Jay Douglas and US soul singer Rusty Zinn; fusion jazz with Five After Four; Caribbean with CaneFire and Latin with Alejandra Ribera, Son Aché and others.  Speaking of Latin, we’ve added a new stage - Latin Square - close to the Boardwalk devoted to Latin sounds and all the frenetic action that comes with it.

We pride ourselves in catching rising stars and this year on the New Generation Stage at Woodbine Park, we’re presenting The Mike Butlin band.  An accomplished singer/songwriter, Mike adds a jazz and blues vibe to his indie sensibility.  Also watch for Kinga, a “Real Diva” gracing the stage for a solo performance.  Speaking of the next generation, our youth program continues to give young people a voice at the Festival.  We’ve got over 75 high school aged and younger aspiring musicians performing on our Youth stage at Woodbine Park.

What’s a Festival without some great photography immortalizing those magical jazz musical moments!  This year, we’re paying tribute to jazz photography at our new “photography pavilions-in-the-park” initiative, and we’re continuing to expand our jazz appreciation workshop offerings.  For all of our visitors, tourists and locals alike, in need of some extra TLC, we’ve introduced customized Jazz Experience Tour Packages to the Festival mix.

Come early and claim a space at our expense.

Bill King
Artistic Director